Reference no: EM132725613

Crime Theory

Background/Relevance: Concepts are the building blocks and critical elements of theories and theoretical perspectives. Theories are constructed using key concepts as part of their explanatory power and posited relationships. Concepts help us to analyze and explain phenomena. In fact, any understanding of any discipline and/or field requires basic understanding of critical concepts. Further, a significant portion of research involves measurement and operationalization of critical concepts.

Concepts can be defined as abstract terms (mental images) that summarize (classify) similar observations, feelings, and ideas (suggesting that they are alike) (Bachman and Schutt 2015). Concepts involve classification and categorization of knowledge in any particular area. For example, the concept of anomie refers to the absence of norms or normlessness and is a property of a society. This concept has been used to explain societal changes and social behavior like suicide and crime.

Remember, concepts are not necessarily shared or agreed upon and specific concepts can be defined with great variation. Some concepts are characterized by relatively higher degree of agreement while for others there is little. In criminology, bonding and attachment are concepts part of social control theory that show considerable agreement. In contrast, there is much less agreement on anomie with competing definitions. There are difficulties in measuring concepts (related to operational definitions as we covered in class) that add to the difficulties in making concepts useful in explaining and for policy and practice. Fortunately, research around concepts and theories in criminology, like many other social science disciplines, is robust and significant knowledge base has been built for many concepts.

This paper is critical in developing and honing your conceptual, analytical, and communication skills. Analyzing and evaluating concepts and theory is integral to the field of criminal justice and social science disciplines. In particular, all fields and disciplines endeavor to develop, test, and implement policies and improve policy. This is significantly a function of focused, organized, and validated knowledge that can be translated into useful practice. Developing and detailing reasoned arguments is a critical skill as part of a larger set of communication skills required in today's workforce.

Tasks/Grading Criteria: This paper asks you to select (will be assigned to) a concept from a list provided by the instructor (see list at the bottom of these assignment guidelines)
• establish a concept's meaning using a scholarly, peer-reviewed research article and significant claims about the concept according to the author(s).

A significant part of the paper is to review how the author(s) conceptualizes and defines the meaning of the concept. An example that will be discussed in class relates to social bonds. The instructor will show the different definitions and measures of social bonds in research studies and their definitions. Given that this is a crime theory class, the concept's relationship and for which types of crime and deviant behavior are also required.

The following serves as guidelines on the format and expected content of the paper as well as the breakdown of points for each section (10 points total (2 points are for grammar, style, and organization):
- Length: The paper must be typewritten and must be 1 to 2 double-spaced pages in length.
- Sources: Students need to use one separate peer-reviewed, journal article for the paper (the source is critical to the assignment as if you do not have the correct source, your paper will not be graded). You have to provide a full and appropriate citation and a full citation. The instructor can assist students with the identification of appropriate peer-reviewed journal articles and other sources for your concept paper.

You cannot use internet references (e.g., Wilkepedia) including conference papers, popular magazine and newspaper articles, and similar type sources.

- Organization/Audience: Please write your paper as clearly, directly, and concisely assuming that your readers have no knowledge of the topics and subjects. Your audience for the paper is composed of policymakers and administrators. These actors are not skilled as you are in review and evaluation of theory and assign you with a concept to determine the state of knowledge about the concept. Do not use excessive quotations and write in your own words. Please proofread your paper before your submission.

Section

1. Definition and Meaning- .5 to 1 page
Using the appropriate source and only this source, answer the following prompts fully and completely as well as provide definition, arguments, and assessment claims:
o How is the concept defined, write in your own words? This refers to the meaning not how the concept is measured. What are the specific dimensions/elements in the conceptual definition? Is this conceptual definition very abstract or relatively concrete?

2. Literature Review- .5 to 1 page
Transitioning from the previous section and using the source, explain what the author(s) claim is the state of knowledge about the paper. Answer the following questions and provide your claim statement(s):
o Is the concept relatively established in terms of meaning according to the author(s)?
o What statement is made about what further clarity in meaning and associated research is made by the author(s)?

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